Orchidectomy

Testicles develop in the abdomen and slowly move down into the scrotum (sac below the penis). Undescended testicle is a condition in which the testicles remain in the abdomen at birth and do not descend into the scrotum. Most often, the testicle(s) resume their normal position in the scrotum three to six months after birth, but those that do not descend require surgical treatment within 2 years of age.

Orchidectomy is a surgery to remove one or both testicles. It is recommended in children for wasting of the testis after orchidopexy, when the spermatic cord gets twisted (testicular torsion), blood supply to the testis gets cut or in case of small dysplastic (abnormal) undescended testicles.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Your child’s surgeon makes a small incision in the groin area on the affected side of the testicle and removes the testicle and spermatic cord. The incision is then closed with stitches.

As with any surgery, orchidectomy may involve certain risks and complications which include bleeding, infection, and bruising, swelling and altered genital area.